Argentina’s reaction to Lionel Messi’s absence from Ballon d’Or nominees

This is a list of nominees for the 2024 Ballon d’Or that marks the end of an era. For the first time since 2003, there is no trace of Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo in the list. The end of the domination of the two ogres, with 18 nominations for 5 victories for the Portuguese, and 16 nominations for 8 victories for the Argentinian. Everything indicates that Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham will compete for the Holy Grail of individual distinctions this year.

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It is therefore interesting to look at the reactions of the Argentinian media, where Lionel Messi is considered a god, having won the Copa América 2024 with his country just a few weeks ago. Oddly enough, Argentinian journalists are rather measured and do not cry scandal. While it is true that he is now playing in Major League Soccer, the fact of having won the Copa América could have led one to think that his compatriots would mobilize and demand his presence.

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“The winner will succeed Lionel Messi, who won the trophy in the last edition and has the absolute record with 8 titles. With Leo out of the competition, a new era begins in the football world.”soberly summarizes Oléwhich mainly talks about his compatriots Emiliano Martinez and Lautaro Martinez. No bitterness or anger in the words of the main Argentine sports daily. “There are also notable absences, such as that of Lionel Messi, who was not included in the 30 finalists for the title he won.”summary Clarin. “In his first season in MLS, he had a few injuries that kept him off the field for extended periods of time.”adds the newspaper.

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“A logical, natural, biological question. The day was going to come, no matter what. […] Messi lifted his second consecutive Copa America, but this time he was less decisive and more supported by the team, without being able to finish the Copa America final.summary The Nation. “The farewells of Messi, who has suffered several injuries despite the Copa America title, and of Ronaldo, who said goodbye to the Euro quickly, are approaching”he goes his own way TyC Sports. No hard feelings then!